Durbin Questions Nuclear Experts at Senate Hearing

Press Release

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today questioned the Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Gregory Jaczko, and the Department of Energy's Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Dr. Peter Lyons, about the safety of nuclear power plants in the United States and the prospect of renewing the U.S.'s interest in research into the reprocessing of nuclear fuel -- as is being done in countries like France, Britain and Russia. Last week, Durbin and Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) held a hearing in Chicago on nuclear power plant safety in Illinois.

"Senator Kirk and I had a hearing last week because, in Illinois, we are so nuclear power dependent with half of the electricity in our state generated by nuclear power," said Durbin. "Additionally, 4 of the 11 generators in Illinois are the same design as Fukushima. At the hearing, we had a long conversation about many things including the nuclear waste on site. I'd like to hear your thoughts on whether or not the United States should renew its interest in researching the reprocessing of nuclear fuel."

Today's hearing was held in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, of which Durbin is a member, and entitled: "A review of Nuclear Safety in Light of the Impact of Natural Disasters on Japanese Nuclear Facilities." There are 23 U.S. nuclear plants that have designs that are similar to those in Japan. In Illinois, both the Dresden and Quad Cities plants are the same design and age as the reactors in Fukushima. To date, many entities have initiated a review of our nuclear energy facilities.

Source